Apparatus for dental irrigation

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for dental irrigation may be provided to project fluid onto the surfaces of, and the interproximal spaces between, a user&#39;s teeth and gum-line. The apparatus may comprise two hollow U-shaped manifolds having orifices located on their interior faces used as fluid jets. The manifolds may be connected, at a central point of reflection, by a rotating inlet joint which supplies the fluid flow. When placed in the user&#39;s mouth, the apparatus may be designed to receive the top and bottom sets of teeth in each corresponding U-shaped manifold, with orifices configured to provide fluid jets aligned towards the lingual and buccal side of the teeth. The orifices may be staggered to provide staggered fluid flow. A user&#39;s teeth may be cleaned with a controlled fluid flow by moving the apparatus in a sweeping motion between each set of rear molars.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a U.S. National Stage under 35 U.S.C. § 371of International Application No. PCT/US2019/017897, filed on Feb. 13,2019, which claims benefit under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) ofU.S. Provisional Application No. 62/629,904, filed on Feb. 13, 2018, andhaving inventors in common, which are incorporated herein by referencein its entirety. It is intended that the referenced application may beapplicable to the concepts and embodiments disclosed herein, even ifsuch concepts and embodiments are disclosed in the referencedapplication with different limitations and configurations and describedusing different examples and terminology.

FIELD OF DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to dental hygiene methods,systems and devices.

BACKGROUND

Clean teeth and impeccable dental hygiene are important. Good oral anddental hygiene can help prevent bad breath, tooth decay and gum disease,as well as improve overall health. Furthermore, good oral and dentalhygiene has been linked to overall physical wellbeing. The conventionalstrategy is to brush a person's teeth and use dental floss or atoothpick at least twice daily. This often causes problems because theconventional strategy does not allow for pristine dental cleaning to beperformed effectively and efficiently. There is a need for a moreeffective and efficient solution.

BRIEF OVERVIEW

An apparatus for accurate, precise, effective, and convenient dentalcleaning and irrigation may be provided by the present disclosure. Thisbrief overview is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This brief overview is not intended to identify keyfeatures or essential features of the claimed subject matter. Nor isthis brief overview intended to be used to limit the claimed subjectmatter's scope.

An apparatus for dental irrigation may be provided to project fluiddirectly onto the surfaces of, and the interproximal spaces between, auser's teeth and gum-line. The apparatus may comprise two hollowU-shaped manifolds having orifices located on their interior faces usedas fluid jets. The U-Shaped manifolds may be connected, at a centralpoint of reflection, by a rotating inlet joint which supplies the fluidflow. When placed in the user's mouth, an apparatus consistent with thepresent disclosure may be designed to receive the top and bottom sets ofteeth in each corresponding U-shaped manifold, with orifices configuredto provide fluid jets aligned towards the lingual and buccal side of theuser's teeth. The orifices may be staggered to provide staggered fluidflow. A user's teeth may be cleaned with a controlled fluid flow bymoving the apparatus in a sweeping motion between each set of rearmolars.

Still consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure, anapparatus for dental irrigation may comprise:

a first manifold having a first plurality of outlet holes laid out on afirst wall of the first manifold and a second wall of the firstmanifold, wherein the first wall approximately faces the second wall,and wherein the first plurality of outlet holes on the first wall of thefirst manifold are approximately oriented towards the first plurality ofoutlet holes on the second wall of the first manifold;

a second manifold having a second plurality of outlet holes laid out ona first wall of the second manifold and a second wall of the secondmanifold, wherein the first wall approximately faces the second wall,wherein the second plurality of holes on the first wall of the secondmanifold are approximately oriented towards the second plurality ofholes on the second wall of the second manifold, and

-   -   wherein the first manifold and the second manifold are        positioned so as to approximately:        -   align with an approximately common axis of symmetry, and        -   reflect about a central point of reflection, such that each            manifold is oriented in opposite directions; and

a rotating inlet joint comprising an inlet channel to receive fluid andchannel the fluid into:

-   -   the first manifold towards the first plurality of outlet holes,        such that the fluid is channeled to be expelled from the first        plurality of holes approximately towards the axis of symmetry,        and    -   the second manifold towards the second plurality of outlet        holes, such that the fluid is channeled to be expelled from the        second plurality of holes approximately towards the axis of        symmetry,    -   wherein the rotating inlet joint is positioned in between the        first manifold and the second manifold,    -   wherein the rotating inlet joint connects to the first manifold        at a first inlet portion at approximately a base of the first        manifold, and    -   wherein the rotating inlet joint connects to the second manifold        at a second inlet portion at approximately a base of the second        manifold,    -   wherein the inlet channel of the rotating inlet joint protrudes        from the rotating inlet joint to form an angle relative to the        axis of symmetry, and    -   wherein the rotating inlet joint is configured to rotate about        the axis of symmetry to enable the inlet channel to turn about        the axis of symmetry without blocking a flow of fluid from the        inlet channel to the first manifold and the second manifold.

In yet further embodiments, an apparatus for dental irrigation designedto project fluid directly onto surfaces of, and interproximal spacesbetween, a user's teeth and gum-line may be provided. The apparatus maycomprise:

a first approximately U-shaped manifold comprising:

-   -   a first plurality of outlet holes located on a first interior        face of the first U-shaped manifold,    -   a second plurality of outlet holes located on a second interior        face of the first U-shaped manifold, and        -   a first inlet hole at approximately a base of the first            U-shaped manifold,        -   wherein the first plurality of outlet holes of the first            interior face of the first U-shaped manifold are            asymmetrically aligned relative to the second plurality of            outlet holes on the second interior face of the first            U-shaped manifold;

a second approximately U-shaped manifold comprising:

-   -   a third plurality of outlet holes located on a first interior        face of the second U-shaped manifold,    -   a fourth plurality of outlet holes located on a second interior        face of the second U-shaped manifold, and        -   a second inlet hole at approximately a base of the second            U-shaped manifold,        -   wherein the third plurality of outlet holes of the first            face of the second U-shaped manifold are asymmetrically            aligned relative to the fourth plurality of outlet holes on            the second interior face of the second U-shaped manifold;

a rotating inlet joint comprising:

-   -   an inlet channel to receive fluid,    -   a first opening to channel the received fluid towards a first        inlet hole of the first U-shaped manifold, and    -   a second opening to channel the received fluid towards the        second inlet hole of the second U-shaped manifold,        -   wherein the first opening and the second opening are            oriented in substantially opposite directions, and        -   wherein the inlet channel is positioned substantially            perpendicularly and approximately in between the first            opening and the second opening,        -   wherein the rotating inlet joint connects the first U-shaped            manifold and the second U-shaped manifold to form an            approximately H-shaped manifold, and        -   wherein the H-shaped manifold is configured to channel the            fluid received from the inlet channel to the first plurality            of outlet holes, the second plurality of outlet holes, the            third plurality of outlet holes, and the fourth plurality of            outlet holes, and        -   wherein the rotating inlet joint is configured to rotate            about an approximately vertical axis of symmetry of the            H-shaped manifold to enable the inlet channel to turn about            the vertical axis of symmetry without:            -   altering a position of the first U-shaped manifold and                the position of the second U-shaped manifold, and            -   blocking a flow of the fluid from the inlet channel to                the first manifold and the second manifold.

In yet further embodiments, an apparatus for dental irrigation designedto project fluid directly onto surfaces of, and interproximal spacesbetween, a user's teeth and gum-line may comprise:

a first manifold segment having at least one first inlet and a firstplurality of outlet holes;

a second manifold segment having at least one second inlet and a secondplurality of outlet holes; and

a rotating inlet segment comprising an inlet channel to receive fluidand channel the fluid into the first manifold through the at least onefirst inlet and into the second manifold through the at least one secondinlet,

-   -   wherein the rotating inlet segment, first manifold segment, and        the second manifold are positioned so as to approximately:        -   align with an approximately central vertical axis of            symmetry, and        -   reflect about an approximately central horizontal axis of            symmetry, such that the first manifold and the second            manifold are positioned at opposite sides of the rotating            inlet segment and are oriented in opposite directions; and    -   wherein the rotating inlet segment is configured to rotate about        the axis of common symmetry to enable the inlet channel to turn        about the axis of symmetry,        -   wherein an angle of the rotating inlet segment impacts a            property of the fluid flow to the user's teeth, the angle            being relative to at least one of the following: the            vertical axis of symmetry and the horizontal axis of            symmetry.

Both the foregoing brief overview and the following detailed descriptionprovide examples and are explanatory only. Accordingly, the foregoingbrief overview and the following detailed description should not beconsidered to be restrictive. Further, features or variations may beprovided in addition to those set forth herein. For example, embodimentsmay be directed to various feature combinations and sub-combinationsdescribed in the detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this disclosure, illustrate various embodiments of the presentdisclosure. The drawings contain representations of various trademarksand copyrights owned by the Applicants. In addition, the drawings maycontain other marks owned by third parties and are being used forillustrative purposes only. All rights to various trademarks andcopyrights represented herein, except those belonging to theirrespective owners, are vested in and the property of the Applicants. TheApplicants retain and reserve all rights in their trademarks andcopyrights included herein, and grant permission to reproduce thematerial only in connection with reproduction of the granted patent andfor no other purpose.

Furthermore, the drawings may contain text or captions that may explaincertain embodiments of the present disclosure. This text is included forillustrative, non-limiting, explanatory purposes of certain embodimentsdetailed in the present disclosure. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 illustrates a general overview of an apparatus assemblyconsistent with the present disclosure, broken down into individualcomponents;

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of the apparatus consistent with thepresent disclosure, that contains protruding pads on the membrane layerand uses no O-rings 60;

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the apparatus, consistent with thepresent disclosure, that contains non-protruding outlet holes on theinner shell and uses two sets of O-rings;

FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of the apparatus, consistent with thepresent disclosure, that contains protruding outlet holes on themembrane layer, uses one set of O-rings, and provides fluid flowchannels on the membrane layer;

FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of the apparatus with different heightsfor the buccal and lingual sides that is consistent with the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 6 illustrates an isometric view of the apparatus consistent withthe present disclosure with protruding pads on the membrane layer and atranslucent/transparent inlet joint;

FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of the apparatus consistent with thepresent disclosure, with motors mounted on one side of the apparatus viasprung supports and soft wheels to drag the apparatus by applying forceto the gumline;

FIG. 8 illustrates a cutaway view of the apparatus consistent withvarious embodiments of the present disclosure, with an internal springthat allows motion between upper and lower parts of the apparatus,therefore providing height adjustment for fluid jet alignment andenhanced comfort;

FIG. 9 illustrates an anti-rotate feature internal attachment thatprevents misalignment of the upper and lower U-shaped manifolds, as wellas the fluid flow openings on the lower section of the U-shapedmanifolds, both consistent with various embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 10 illustrates two embodiments of a rotator wheel that directsalternating fluid flow for the apparatus consistent with variousembodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 illustrates the outer shell of the top manifold, and the outershell for the bottom manifold, consistent with the present disclosure,wherein the openings for fluid flow on both outer shells line up;

FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment of the apparatus with a rotator wheeland translucent/transparent rotating inlet joint;

FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment of the apparatus with the rotatorwheel, where the fluid flow alternates between lower and upper teeth;

FIG. 14 illustrates an embodiment of the apparatus with the rotatorwheel where the fluid flow alternates between buccal and lingual sidesof teeth;

FIG. 15 illustrates an embodiment of the rotating inlet joint designedwith four individual fluid channels;

FIG. 16 illustrates different positions of the rotating inlet joint andhow the rotation alters fluid flow within the apparatus consistent withvarious embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 17 illustrates one example of non-intersecting fluid jet positionsfor the apparatus consistent with various embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 18 illustrates another example of non-intersecting fluid jetpositions for the apparatus consistent with various embodiments of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 19 illustrates an example of non-intersecting fluid jet positionsfor the apparatus with different buccal and lingual side heights;

FIG. 20 illustrates yet another example of non-intersecting fluid jetpositions for the apparatus consistent with various embodiments of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 21 illustrates an alternative example of non-intersecting fluid jetpositions for the apparatus consistent with various embodiments of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 22 illustrates another alternative example of non-intersectingfluid jet positions for the apparatus consistent with variousembodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 23 illustrates yet another alternative non-intersecting fluid jetpositions for the apparatus consistent with various embodiments of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 24 illustrates yet another example of non-intersecting fluid jetpositions for the apparatus consistent with various embodiments of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 25 illustrates yet another example of non-intersecting fluid jetpositions for the apparatus consistent with various embodiments of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 26 illustrates yet another example of non-intersecting fluid jetpositions for the apparatus consistent with various embodiments of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 27 illustrates an embodiment of the apparatus consistent withvarious embodiments of the present disclosure in relation to a typicaljaw; and

FIG. 28 illustrates a block diagram of a system including a computingdevice compatible with the various embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by a personhaving ordinary skill in the relevant art that the present disclosurehas broad utility and application. As should be understood, anyembodiment may incorporate only one or a plurality of theabove-disclosed aspects of the disclosure and may further incorporateonly one or a plurality of the above-disclosed features. Furthermore,any embodiment discussed and identified as being “preferred” isconsidered to be part of a best mode contemplated for carrying out theembodiments of the present disclosure. Other embodiments also may bediscussed for additional illustrative purposes in providing a full andenabling disclosure. Moreover, many embodiments, such as adaptations,variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will beimplicitly disclosed by the embodiments described herein and fall withinthe scope of the present disclosure.

The detailed disclosure herein of one or more embodiments is notintended, nor is to be construed, to limit the scope of patentprotection afforded in any claim of a patent issuing here from, whichscope is to be defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof It isnot intended that the scope of patent protection be defined by readinginto any claim a limitation found herein that does not explicitly appearin the claim itself.

Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of steps ofvarious processes or methods that are described herein are illustrativeand not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that, althoughsteps of various processes or methods may be shown and described asbeing in a sequence or temporal order, the steps of any such processesor methods are not limited to being carried out in any particularsequence or order, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps insuch processes or methods generally may be carried out in variousdifferent sequences and orders while still falling within the scope ofthe present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope ofpatent protection is to be defined by the issued claim(s) rather thanthe description set forth herein.

Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refersto that which an ordinary artisan would understand such term to meanbased on the contextual use of such term herein. To the extent that themeaning of a term used herein—as understood by the ordinary artisanbased on the contextual use of such term—differs in any way from anyparticular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that themeaning of the term as understood by the ordinary artisan shouldprevail.

Regarding applicability of 35 U.S.C. § 112, ¶6, no claim element isintended to be read in accordance with this statutory provision unlessthe explicit phrase “means for” or “step for” is actually used in suchclaim element, whereupon this statutory provision is intended to applyin the interpretation of such claim element.

Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein, “a” and “an”each generally denotes “at least one,” but does not exclude a pluralityunless the contextual use dictates otherwise. When used herein to join alist of items, “or” denotes “at least one of the items,” but does notexclude a plurality of items of the list. Finally, when used herein tojoin a list of items, “and” denotes “all of the items of the list.”

The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings.Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawingsand the following description to refer to the same or similar elements.While many embodiments of the disclosure may be described,modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible. Forexample, substitutions, additions, or modifications may be made to theelements illustrated in the drawings, and the methods described hereinmay be modified by substituting, reordering, or adding stages to thedisclosed methods. Accordingly, the following detailed description doesnot limit the disclosure. Instead, the proper scope of the disclosure isdefined by the appended claims. The present disclosure contains headers.It should be understood that these headers are used as references andare not to be construed as limiting upon the subject matter disclosedunder the header.

The present disclosure includes many aspects and features. Moreover,while many aspects and features relate to, and are described in, thecontext of dental hygiene, embodiments of the present disclosure are notlimited to use only in this context.

Consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure, an apparatus foraccurate, efficient, and convenient dental cleaning and irrigation maybe provided. This overview is provided to introduce a selection ofconcepts in a simplified form that are further described below. Thisoverview is not intended to identify key features or essential featuresof the claimed subject matter. Nor is this overview intended to be usedto limit the claimed subject matter's scope. The apparatus for accurate,efficient, and convenient dental cleaning and irrigation may be used byindividuals, dental practitioners, and/or companies to perform dentalirrigation, improve dental hygiene, clean teeth, remove plaque, massagegums, kill bacteria and monitor dental state.

Both the foregoing overview and the following detailed descriptionprovide examples that are only used for illustrative purposes.Accordingly, the foregoing overview and the ensuing detailed descriptionshould not be considered to be restrictive. Further, features orvariations may be provided in addition to those set forth herein. Forexample, embodiments may be directed to various feature combinations andsub-combinations described herein.

Although the stages and/or components and components illustrated by thefigures are disclosed in a particular order, it should be understoodthat the order is disclosed for illustrative purposes only. Stagesand/or components may be combined, separated, reordered, and variousintermediary stages and/or components may exist. Accordingly, it shouldbe understood that the various stages and/or components illustratedwithin the flow chart may be, in various embodiments, performed inarrangements that differ from the ones illustrated. Moreover, variousstages and/or components may be added or removed from the figureswithout altering or deterring from the fundamental scope of the depictedmethods and systems disclosed herein. Ways to implement the stagesand/or components of the apparatus will be described in greater detailbelow.

I. Overview

An apparatus consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure maybe designed such that a controlled pressure flow of fluid is directlyprojected onto teeth surfaces, interproximal spaces, and gum line of auser's mouth. The apparatus may comprise two hollow manifold componentshaving holes located on the interior faces of each manifold, and arotating inlet joint attaching the two manifolds at a central point ofreflection. The manifolds may be in a variety of different geometricconfigurations, such as, but not limited to, U-shaped, parabolic, orrectangular. In embodiments disclosing a parabolic shape, the termparabolic may be taken to mean that the shape of the interior face ofthe manifold can be approximated with an even order polynomial function.

For illustrative purposes, the manifold may be described herein as aU-shaped manifold. Each U-shaped manifold may be embodied such that itfits around a user's corresponding upper and lower teeth. Althoughvarious embodiment disclosed herein mention a symmetrical configurationfor the apparatus, and each corresponding manifold, it should beunderstood that symmetry may only be approximate, and that theconfiguration of the manifolds and apparatus may be ergonomicallydesigned to fit into a user's mouth, which includes asymmetry from thebuccal to lingual sides, and design accommodations for overbite and/orunderbite.

Furthermore, some embodiments of the manifold 300 consistent with thepresent disclosure may comprise a different component, as well asdifferent number of components. For example, the manifold 300 maycomprise a single piece mold or the inner shell 10 and outer shell 20without a membrane layer 30. Moreover, although embodiments hereindescribe two manifolds configured together, it should be understood thatthe apparatus may be comprised of a single part or construction.

Accordingly, the break-down of the apparatus into parts is provided forillustrative purposes and contemplate a single part construction.

The apparatus may provide fluid jets aligned towards the lingual andbuccal side of the user's teeth for staggered fluid flow. A user's teethmay be cleaned by moving the apparatus over the teeth in a sweepingmanner such that a sweep of the manifold from one rear molar to theother will ensure all of the gum line and every interproximal space iscleaned with the aforementioned fluid jets.

It should be understood that the present specification and figuresdisclose only some embodiments of the apparatus, and that otherembodiments of the apparatus consistent with the present disclosure maybe anticipated with the present disclosure. Varying embodiments of theapparatus could have varying components, as well as a varying number andcombination of components.

FIG. 1 illustrates an apparatus consistent with the present disclosure,broken down into individual components. The apparatus may comprise twohollow U-shaped manifolds 300, wherein each parabolic or U-shapedmanifold 300 may comprise inner shell 10 and outer shell 20, with softmembrane layer 30 sandwiched in between the two shells. The componentsmay be combined using various means, including, for example, but notlimited to, being clipped together and/or be mounted together by shortscrews 50. Each U-shaped manifold may comprise an inlet to receive fluidinto its hollow layer.

The inlet may be positioned at approximately the vertex of the U-shaped300.

The inner shell 10 may have cutouts or holes (hereinafter referred to as“holes”) on each side. The holes may be enabled to provide for jets offluid to exit the apparatus 100 and projected onto a user's teeth. Thetwo U-shaped manifolds 300 may be connected together by a rotating inletjoint 200. The connection may provide for a symmetrical, approximatelyH-shaped manifold. The connection of the three components (two U-shapedmanifolds and the rotating inlet joint) may be connected by variousmeans, including, for example, but not limited to, being snappedtogether and/or attached by a longer screw 55.

In some embodiments, to prevent fluid leakage, an enhanced seal may beprovided by using one or more O-rings 60 between the rotating inletjoint 200 and each outer shell 20. Alternately, the seal may beaccomplished by precision molding, or other means without the use ofO-rings 60. The fluid may enter through an inlet channel of the rotatinginlet joint 200, and then channeled to each U-shaped manifold 300through their corresponding inlet openings in the outer shell 20. Thefluid may then travel between the outer shell 20 and the soft membranelayer 30, before being projected as a stream or a jet of fluid out ofthe outlet holes of each U-shaped manifold 300. In this way, a jet offluid may be provided onto a user's teeth through the soft membranelayer 30 and/or holes in the inner shell 10.

Regarding the aforementioned rotating inlet joint 200, the rotatinginlet joint 200 consistent with the present disclosure may interfacewith a variety of methods for delivering fluid, past the joint, intoeach manifold. These include, but are not limited to, fluid pumps,faucet or showerhead attachments, cordless handles, pressurized fluidcontainers, dental equipment, and other fluid delivery solutions.

The present disclosure describes two manifold components 300, a rotatinginlet joint 200, the function, and low friction movement aspects of theapparatus 100. Each manifold component 300 may be designed in a U-shapewith aligned fluid orifices over the buccal and lingual sides of teeth.Accordingly, the two manifolds 300 may be combined to cover both top andbottom teeth at the same time. The apparatus 100 may be designed withrespect to ergonomics. Data from ergonomics research necessitated thedesign of the apparatus 100 as, for example, two U-shapes combined,single U-shape, H-shape, X-shape, a chromosome shape, or similar shapes.

The rotating inlet joint 200 may be constructed in a manner to provideconsistent, alternating, and/or pulsing fluid flow into each manifold300 while allowing rotation, via the rotating inlet joint about avertical axis of symmetry for comfortable movement across teeth. A jointmay serve as a handle attaching the manifolds to enable necessaryrotation. There are multiple methods of accomplishing the rotation ofthe joint 200, each with their own practical/engineering considerationsconsistent with the present disclosure.

The function of the present disclosure includes the apparatus 100 beingswept across the user's mouth from one rear molar to the other rearmolar. FIG. 27 demonstrates apparatus 100 performing the sweepingmotion. In some embodiments, rollers having a motive force applied viathe inlet/handle and the tooth/gum line may guide the sweeping motionwhile the inlet joints rotates about the vertical axis.

The present disclosure provides advantages of the aforementionedmanifolds 300 over conventional devices, including, but not limited to,for example:

-   -   providing fast action when compared to single water jets, water        picks, or water flossers, enabling the user to wash their mouth        and floss more efficiently,    -   providing an ability to be certain that the fluid is        appropriately aimed to the appropriate portions of the user's        teeth, as scientific literature shows that oral irrigation is        most effective when delivered at a 90° angle, which is hard to        maintain with a single fluid jet;    -   providing ease of use when compared to a single fluid jets,        water picks, and manual flossing, which may be especially        important for children, elderly, and those with disabilities,        for whom ease of use may be more of a medical necessity than a        convenience;    -   providing an ability to reclean specific sections of the user's        teeth when compared to a mouthguard;    -   providing an assurance that no spot is missed, no matter what        how the user's teeth are structured; and    -   providing low friction movement to allow for easy movement        across the tooth/gum line and to minimize discomfort.

II. Various Configurations

FIG. 2, illustrates an apparatus consistent with the present disclosurewhere the soft membrane 30 protrudes through the inner shell 10. Theprotrusion may take the form of a pad 110 coming out through a cutoutopening 115 in the inner shell 10. The soft membrane pad 110 providesextra comfort for a user. The pad 110 may contain the holes forproviding the fluid jets.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the apparatus 100 with holes 125 onthe inner shell 10. The inner shell holes 125 may align with the holeson the soft membrane layer 120 to provide fluid jets. As with anyembodiment consistent with the present disclosure, the holes may vary insize, thereby changing the fluid pressure of the jet and/or changing thevolume of fluid exerted on to teeth.

In embodiments of the apparatus 100 wherein a fluid pump is present, thefluid pressure at the entrance point at the inlet opening of the inletjoint 200 may be limited. The pressure may be limited such that thepressure from fluid jets is non-destructive to user's gums. Limiting thefluid pressure may prevent user injury.

Consistent with some embodiments of the present disclosure, as the fluidflows through the apparatus 100, the fluid pressure may drop. Thisrepresents a difference Δ between fluid pressure at the entrance pointat the inlet opening of the inlet joint 200 and the fluid pressure as itexits the manifold 300 holes. In this way, the pressure loss inside ofapparatus 100 may not exceed Δ. In some embodiments, the flow pathinside the apparatus 100 may be small, for example on the order of tensof millimeters, which may minimize losses from straight sections. Theremaining losses in pressure may be attributed primarily to one or morejunctions, bends, constrictions, branches, and the like within theapparatus 100. Embodiments may include, but not be limited to, thefollowing junctions:

-   -   1. Inlet junction—where fluid flow changes direction within the        inlet joint 200, from the protruding inlet to the upper and        lower manifolds 300.    -   2. First manifold junction—where fluid flow changes direction as        it enters the manifold 300 from the inlet joint 200, and turns        toward one side of the manifold 300, such as buccal or lingual        side.    -   3. Second manifold junction—where fluid flow changes direction        from traveling laterally to traveling upward through the        manifold 300 towards the openings.

In some embodiments of the apparatus 100 consistent with the presentdisclosure, the aforementioned inlet junction of the inlet joint 200 maycomprise a rectangular form for maximal use of space. The pressurelosses may be calculated by:δp=k·0.5·ρ·v ²

Assuming the length of the aforementioned rectangular inlet junction isa and the width is b, the hydraulic diameter of the rectangular duct maybe calculated with:D _(r)=2·ab/(a+b)

As minor loss coefficients may not exist for a rectangular to circulart-junction, the hydraulic diameter of the rectangular duct may besubstituted as an approximation and the minor loss coefficient for thecircular t-junction k=2 may be used. With a total flow rate of Q, thepressure loss through the aforementioned inlet junction may be given byδp₁ where δp₁ may be calculated by:δp ₁=ρ·(Q/(0.5πD _(r) ²))²

In some embodiments consistent with the present disclosure, the inletjoint 200 may provide rotation around a manifold 300. The rotation maynecessitate a circular form of the aforementioned first manifoldjunction. In some embodiments consistent with the present disclosure,the top and bottom manifolds may be joined by a retaining screw 55. Insuch embodiments, an opening for fluid passage in a form known to anordinary artisan as an annulus may be formed between the retaining screw55 and the rotating inlet joint 200. The hydraulic diameter of theannulus may be calculated by:D _(a)=(D _(out) ² −D _(in) ²)^(1/2)

As with the fluid pressure loss in the aforementioned inlet joint, thefluid pressure loss in the first manifold junction may be given by δp₂where δp₂ may be calculated by:δp ₂=ρ·(Q/(0.5πD _(a) ²))²

In some embodiments consistent with the present disclosure, the secondmanifold junction may comprise a smooth right angle turn. The fluidpressure loss in the second manifold junction in the form of a smoothright angle turn is given by δp₃ which may be calculated by:δp3=0.9ρ·(Q/(πD _(h) ²))²

The sum of the fluid pressure losses may be represented as Δ where Δ maybe calculated by:Δ=δp ₁ +δp ₂ +δp ₃

The equations, in combination with space constraints that depend on thespecific embodiment, set the minimum diameters. Given the measurementsof the apparatus 100, maximum fluid pressure entering the apparatus 100may be calculated or approximated using the aforementioned formulas. Themaximum fluid pressure calculation may be used to further enhance theapparatus 100 by, for example, but not limited to, limiting fluidpressure provided by an external source to prevent damage to a user'sgums. Consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure, theapparatus 100 may contain soft protrusions surrounding the openings forjets 130, as illustrated in FIG. 4. The protrusions 130 may be part ofthe soft membrane 30 and designed to fit through a similarly shapedcutout in the inner shell 131. As FIG. 4 illustrates, the cutout on oneside of the apparatus 131 may be of a different shape than the cutout onthe second side of the apparatus 132. The aforementioned design mayallow for fluid jets not to intersect, thereby cleaning teeth moreeffectively.

FIG. 4 also shows fluid channels 135 that may be designed within thesoft membrane layer 30. The fluid channels 135 direct fluid to theopenings from which the fluid may be projected onto teeth. The fluidchannels 135 may provide fluid conservation, enhanced control over fluidpressure, and enhanced seals with the outer shell 20.

In certain embodiments consistent with the present disclosure, eachU-shaped manifold 300 may have sides with different heights, asillustrated in FIG. 5. The shorter side 141 may be designed to belocated on the lingual side of the teeth, while the longer side 142 maybe designed to be located on the buccal side. In some embodiments, thedifferent height manifold may be present only on the top side of theapparatus 100, only on the bottom side of the apparatus 100, or both topand bottom sides of the apparatus 100. For some users, the differentheights may provide enhanced alignment of the apparatus 100 in the mouthand enhanced cleaning of teeth by covering a larger area with fluidflow.

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of the apparatus 100 utilizing theaforementioned soft pads 110 and a rotating inlet joint 200 which may betransparent/translucent. The soft pads 110 may provide extra comfort,while the translucent joint 200 allows a user to see the fluid flowthrough the apparatus 100. The joint 200 may range from fully opaque tofully transparent. The joint 200 may be constructed of any color, whileopaque or translucent. Even though FIG. 6 discloses a rotating inletjoint 200 that is transparent, it should be understood that any and allparts of the apparatus 100 consistent with the present disclosure mayhave varying degree of transparency, ranging from fully opaque to fullytransparent.

FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment utilizing small, soft wheels 160 asguides for smooth movement of the apparatus 100 consistent with thepresent disclosure. The wheels 160 may be mounted on top of smallenclosures 150, containing motors, any device providing motive force, orany regulator of rotational resistance. The motor enclosures 150 may beattached to the apparatus 100 via sprung supports 155. The sprungsupports may be designed to provide slight back and forth movement ofthe motor enclosures 150 with slight resistance, providing bettercomfort and fitment for a larger group of users. The motion controlmechanism comprising soft wheels 160, motors inside motor enclosures 150and sprung supports 155 may provide smooth movement of the apparatus byapplying pressure along the gum line through the soft wheels 160. Themotion control mechanism may be mounted on the top manifold 300, bottommanifold 300, or both manifolds 300. Alternately, the wheels 160 may beattached to both top and bottom ends of the motor enclosure 150, therebygliding along both top and bottom gun lines. The motors may becontrolled with a computing device 900 consistent with the presentdisclosure. Alternately, the motors may be always activated during thepowered-on state of the apparatus 100 consistent with the presentdisclosure. The motion control mechanism consistent with the presentdisclosure may be used to regulate the speed of the apparatus 100sweeping motion within the user's mouth, providing optimal cleaning andpreventing missed/under-cleaned areas.

In some embodiments of the apparatus 100, the aforementioned motioncontrol mechanism may be used to massage the gums. The massaging of gumsmay be accomplished by gliding the apparatus 100 back and forth alongthe gumline. The wheels 160 may be comprised of a material for optimumgum massage. In some embodiments consistent with the present disclosure,a vibration device may be mounted inside or near the motion controlmechanism, causing the wheels 160 to vibrate and enhance the massage ofthe gun line.

Furthermore, in some embodiments of the apparatus 100, the foregoingmotion control mechanism may be used to remove plaque by gliding theapparatus along the teeth. The wheels 160 may be comprised of a materialfor optimum plaque removal. The aforementioned vibrating device may beemployed to further enhance the removal of plaque. The plaque removalmay be combined with the aforementioned gum massage in the apparatus 100consistent with the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 illustrates a cutaway of an apparatus 100 with a heightadjustment mechanism. The mechanism comprises a joint 200 which allowsfor travel of a manifold 300 via extra space 430, a spring 420, and ahard-stop mechanism 410 that prevents over extension. The spring 420 maydecompress with fluid pressure, and recompress when a user applies forceto the manifolds 300 with the user's teeth. The height adjustmentmechanism may provide some flexibility in the height of the device,providing for better fluid jet alignment. The height adjustmentmechanism may also provide extra comfort due to semi free-floating ofthe manifolds 300. The height adjustment mechanism may adjust heightbased on pressure applied to the manifolds 300 by the user's teeth.Better cleaning may be achieved by providing enhanced alignment of fluidjets with teeth. The mechanism may be activated by applying pressure tothe manifolds 300 via the user's teeth. In some embodiments consistentwith the present disclosure, the activation of the apparatus 100 mayhappen upon applying pressure to the aforementioned height adjustmentmechanism. The activation may comprise, but not limited to, starting theflow of fluid, enabling the aforementioned motion control mechanism, andother features disclosed herein.

In some embodiments, the aforementioned height adjustment mechanism mayact as a joint, joining the upper and lower manifolds 300. In suchembodiments, the rotating inlet joint 200 may be replaced with analternate inlet mechanism.

The apparatus 100 consistent with some embodiments of the presentdisclosure may embody an anti-rotate mechanism, as illustrated in FIG.9. The mechanism may comprise an extrusion with a tip comprising of anuneven surface 440 on one manifold 300 and a socket 445 on the secondmanifold 300, that accepts the tip 440 on the first manifold 300, with asurface designed to match the tip 440. By providing an uneven surface onthe tip 440 and matching it on the socket 445, the apparatus 100prevents misalignment of the manifolds 300 and unwanted rotation.

FIG. 9 also illustrates openings for fluid 450 on the bottom of amanifold 300 consistent with the present disclosure. The openings 450comprise cutaways in at approximately the center of the outer shell 20.The openings 450 allow the fluid to flow into the manifold 300 to beprojected onto teeth.

An apparatus 100 consistent with the present disclosure may alter theflow of fluid out of the openings forming jets. The flow of fluid may bealtered for enhanced cleaning in multiple ways, such as, but not limitedto:

-   -   Pulsing—Where each jet may be activated for a short period of        time, followed by a deactivation for a short period of time,        then repeat of the cycle. Jets may be pulsed all together,        independently, or in alternating manner.    -   Alternating flow—Where activation of jets may be alternated        between buccal and lingual sides and/or top and bottom manifolds        300.

Consistent with the various embodiments of the present disclosure, thetop/bottom alternation may be accomplished by a revolver part 460mounted inside the rotating inlet joint 200, as illustrated by theexamples provided in FIG. 10, FIG. 12 and FIG. 13. Although embodimentsherein a described with respect to a revolving characteristic of theflow control and distribution means, other implementations may be usedto achieve flow control and distribution.

The revolver part 460 may be designed as, for example, a blower wheel,wherein the revolver part 460 has fins extending outward from thecenter, that may allow it to spin from fluid flowing past/through it.The rotating inlet joint 200 may comprise an offset wall to divert fluidflow, spinning the revolver 460 in the desired direction. The revolverpart 460 may have upper and lower walls at each quarter of the revolver460. In some embodiments, every 50% may be blocked off in an alternatedfashion on the top and bottom sides, projecting fluid in differentdirections, such as up or down. For example, first quarter may have thetop blocked off, pushing fluid down, second quarter may have the bottomblocked off, pushing fluid up, third quarter may have the top blockedoff, pushing fluid down, and fourth quarter may have the bottom blockedoff, pushing fluid up.

In some embodiments, the outer shells 20 of the manifolds 300 may havetwo cutouts for fluid flow corresponding to the wheel 460 quarterspositioned diagonally opposing each other, such that if you take twoidentical outer shells 20 and flip one on top of the other in areflective manner, the quarters line up, as illustrated in FIG. 11. Inthis way, the revolver 460 will only push fluid into one manifold 300 ata time. As the revolver 460 spins, its top openings may line up with theopenings on the top manifold 300, providing an upward flow of fluid,while the bottom openings may line up with the walls on the bottommanifold 300, blocking the downward flow of fluid. As the fluidcontinues to flow, the revolver 460 may continue to spin, which in turnmay allow its top openings to line up with the walls on the top manifold300, blocking an upward flow of fluid, while the bottom openings mayline up with the openings on the bottom manifold 300, providing thedownward flow of fluid. Different fluid pressure may be provided inorder to alter the rate of revolver 460 spinning, thereby altering howoften the flow switches from top to bottom manifold 300, and vice versa.

Still consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure, thebuccal/lingual alternation may be accomplished by a revolver part 470mounted inside the rotating inlet joint 200, as illustrated by theexamples provided in FIG. 10, FIG. 12 and FIG. 14. The revolver part 470may be designed as, for example, a blower wheel, wherein the revolverpart 470 has fins extending outward from the center, that may allow itto spin from fluid flowing past/through it. The rotating inlet joint 200may comprise an offset wall to divert fluid flow, spinning the revolver470 in the desired direction. The revolver part 470 may have upper andlower walls each half of the revolver 470, wherein every 50% is blockedoff in an alternated fashion on the top and bottom sides, projectingfluid in different directions, such as up or down. For example, firsthalf has the top blocked off, pushing fluid in one direction, secondhalf has the bottom blocked off, pushing fluid in another direction,whereby one manifold will receive the fluid only on the buccal side, andthe second manifold will only receive fluid on the lingual side.Different fluid pressure may be provided in order to alter the rate ofrevolver 470 spinning, thereby altering how often the flow switches frombuccal to lingual side of the manifold 300, and vice versa.

In some embodiments, the manifolds 300 may have two cutouts for fluidflow corresponding to the revolver 470 halves positioned opposing eachother, such that each opening may provide the flow of fluid to thecorresponding side, buccal or lingual, of the manifold only. In thisway, the revolver 470 may only push fluid into one side of a manifold300 at a time. As the revolver 470 spins, its openings may line up withone opening on the top manifold 300 and another opening on the bottommanifold 300, providing an upward and downward flow of fluid to thecorresponding buccal/lingual side of each manifold 300. As the fluidcontinues to flow, the revolver 470 may continue to spin, which in turnmay allow its top openings to line up with the openings on the oppositeside of each manifold 300, switching the flow from buccal to lingualside on each manifold 300, and vice versa. Different fluid pressure maybe provided in order to alter the rate of revolver 470 spinning, therebyaltering how often the flow switches from top to bottom manifold 300,and vice versa. In some embodiments consistent with the presentdisclosure, alteration of the flow may be binary or sinusoidal.

In various embodiments, the flow of the fluid may be altered based onposition of the apparatus 100 within a mouth and/or speed with which theapparatus 100 glides within a mouth. Here, the apparatus 100 maycomprise one or more sensing devices (e.g., as further disclosed withreference to computing device 900) that senses the location of therotating inlet joint 200. A computing device 900 consistent with thepresent disclosure may monitor the sensor, and therefore monitor thecurrent angle of the rotating inlet joint 200 relative to the manifolds300, and calculate the rate of change of the angle.

As an example, based on the current angle of the rotating inlet joint200, the computing device 900 may derive the current location within amouth. Based on the calculated rate of change of the angle, thecomputing device 900 may derive the speed of gliding within a mouth. Therotating inlet joint 200 may be designed with four channels of fluidflow 480, as illustrated by the examples provided in FIG. 15.

FIG. 16 illustrates how different angles of the rotating inlet joint 200may allow the fluid to flow from different channels into differentmanifolds 300 and/or different sides of the manifold. The computingdevice 900 may notify the user of the speed and location of theapparatus 100. By controlling which channel the fluid flows through atany given time, the computing device 900 may alter the fluid flow innumerous ways, such as, but not limited to:

-   -   Alternating flow from buccal to lingual based on location and/or        speed;    -   Alternating from top to bottom based on location and/or speed;    -   Pulse based on location and/or speed;    -   Pulse and alternate flow based on location and/or speed;    -   Change fluid pressure based on location and/or speed;    -   Change fluid pressure and pulse based on location and/or speed;    -   Change fluid pressure and alternate flow based on location        and/or speed; and    -   Change fluid pressure, pulse and alternate flow based on        location and/or speed.

The aforementioned fluid flow control methods may be used individually,or in combination with each other. Furthermore, an apparatus consistentwith the present disclosure may control each jet individually, with orwithout a computing device 900.

FIGS. 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 and 26 illustrate differentembodiments of hole layouts for providing jets of fluid expelled out anapparatus 100. 510 illustrates a layout on one side of the manifold 300,while 520 illustrates a layout on the second side of the manifold 300.Each side could be used on either the buccal or lingual side of themanifold. 530 illustrates a superposition of the orifices, wherein thefirst side layout 510 is superimposed on the second side layout 520. Insome embodiments, each of the two sides can have similar layouts. Inother embodiments, the layouts can be staggered, or asymmetrical, suchthat the jets of fluid being expelled from one side 510 do not line upwith the jets of fluid being expelled from the second side 520.Staggered layout may be preferred, as it provides improved cleaningcompared to a layout where jets line up. Furthermore, staggered layoutmay provide increased safety by reducing the pressure exerted ontouser's gums.

FIG. 27 illustrates an apparatus 100 consistent with the presentdisclosure within a human jaw. While the jaw is that of a 50^(th)percentile human male for illustrative purposes, it should be understoodthe apparatus may be used to clean teeth of any mammal, or any objectvaguely resembling the shape of teeth that could be cleaned in asweeping manner.

Certain embodiments of the apparatus 100 consistent with the presentdisclosure may contain additional features, such as, but not limited to:

-   -   Toothbrush bristles may be mounted on the interior surfaces of        the inner shell 100. The toothbrush bristles may allow to brush        teeth while flossing for an enhanced cleaning.    -   UV and or IR illumination paired with a camera or an optical        sensor to detect plaque and alert the user. The aforementioned        devices and alerts may be controlled by a computing device 900        consistent with the present disclosure, which may also record        the data to any medium compatible with the computing device 900        or the cloud. Furthermore, the recordings may automatically be        uploaded to the platform operated by a dental practice or a        medical entity.    -   Camera to record the gumline for future review, historical data,        for a dentist, or for a study conducted by a third party. The        camera may be controlled by a computing device 900, which may        also save the recordings to any medium compatible with the        computing device 900 or the cloud. Furthermore, the recordings        may automatically be uploaded to the platform operated by a        dental practice or a medical entity, platform of user's choice,        or a third party conducting a study.    -   UV cleaning illumination, by use of ultraviolet germicidal        irradiation or other methods. UV cleaning may reduce bacteria        within a mouth. UV cleaning may be provided via use of UV light        emitting diodes (LEDs) projected inside a mouth. UV cleaning may        be used to clean the disclosed apparatus. In some embodiments        consistent with the present disclosure, the cleaning may be        performed by a different wavelength of the electromagnetic        spectrum, such as, but not limited to, infrared or x-ray.    -   Plaque removing device, such as an aforementioned motion control        mechanism or another mechanism. The disclosed mechanism may        reduce and/or remove plaque with or without a computing device        900.

As may be apparent to a person having ordinary skill in the art, thefeatures described herein may be combined with each other, creatingnumerous embodiments of the apparatus 100 consistent with the presentdisclosure. For example, an apparatus 100 consistent with the presentdisclosure may comprise soft pads protruding from the inner shell 10,fluid channels 135 embedded in the soft membrane 30, different heightmanifolds 300, tinted translucent rotating inlet joint 200 with, forexample, multiple fluid channels (e.g., four), motion control mechanismwith vibration, spring height adjustment, anti-rotate mechanism,alternating and pulsating jets based on speed and location of theapparatus 100 within a mouth, orifice patterns that do not intersect,toothbrush bristles, UV cleaning, gum massaging, cameras for gumrecording and plaque detection, and be controlled by a computing device900.

Consistent with the present disclosure, the joints and variouscomponents may be used with any of the proposed shapes of the apparatus100 including the shapes depicted in the figures. Embodiments of thepresent disclosure, for example, are described above with reference todiagrams and/or operational illustrations of methods, systems, andapparatuses according to embodiments of the disclosure. Thefunctions/acts noted in the U-shaped manifold 300 and/or components mayoccur out of the order as shown in any figure. For example, two U-shapedmanifolds 300 shown in succession may in fact be executed substantiallyconcurrently or the U-shaped manifolds 300 may sometimes be executed inthe reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.

While certain embodiments of the disclosure have been described, otherembodiments may exist. For example, an embodiment may exist wherein asuction tube is attached to the handle such that the tube sucks up thefluid in a user's mouth, avoiding a potential mess and providing extracomfort. The suction tube may also be built within the apparatus 100consistent with the present disclosure. Additionally, another embodimentconsistent with the present disclosure uses a X-shaped head. TheX-shaped head may be configured to have a V-shape for the upper teethand the lower teeth together. In another embodiment, a U-shaped or aV-shaped manifold head may be configured to function on either the upperteeth or lower teeth at one time. The manifold head may be alternativelyused for the upper teeth or lower teeth for the entire mouth of a user.In the embodiments, the U-shape manifold 300 may be rounded or square atthe corners for the best fit in a user's mouth. Yet another embodimentconsistent with the present disclosure may comprise an H-shapedapparatus that cleans both upper and lower teeth at the same time. Whilecertain embodiments of the disclosure have been described, otherembodiments may exist.

III. Integrated and External Computing Devices

The apparatus 100 consistent with the present disclosure may becontrolled by a computing device 900. The computing device 900 maycomprise, but not be limited to; an embedded microcontroller within theapparatus, or a mobile computing device, or a microcomputer embedded inthe pump system, or a remote computing device that communicates viavarious methods understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art.

Embodiments of the present disclosure may comprise a system having acentral processing unit (CPU) 920, a bus 930, a memory unit 940, a powersupply unit (PSU) 950, and one or more Input/Output (I/O) units. The CPU920 coupled to the memory unit 940 and the plurality of I/O units 960via the bus 930, all of which are powered by the PSU 950. It should beunderstood that, in some embodiments, each disclosed unit may actuallybe a plurality of such units for the purposes of redundancy, highavailability, and/or performance.

FIG. 28 is a block diagram of a system including computing device 900.Consistent with an embodiment of the disclosure, the aforementioned CPU920, the bus 930, the memory unit 940, a PSU 950, and the plurality ofI/O units 960 may be implemented in a computing device, such ascomputing device 900 of FIG. 28. Any suitable combination of hardware,software, or firmware may be used to implement the aforementioned units.For example, the CPU 920, the bus 930, and the memory unit 940 may beimplemented with computing device 900 or any of other computing devices900, in combination with computing device 900. The aforementionedsystem, device, and components are examples and other systems, devices,and components may comprise the aforementioned CPU 920, the bus 930, thememory unit 940, consistent with embodiments of the disclosure.

Consistent with the embodiments of the present disclosure, theaforementioned computing device 900 may employ a communication systemthat transfers data between components inside the aforementionedcomputing device 900, and/or the plurality of computing devices 900. Theaforementioned communication system will be known to a person havingordinary skill in the art as a bus 930. The bus 930 may embody internaland/or external plurality of hardware and software components, forexample, but not limited to a wire, optical fiber, communicationprotocols, and any physical arrangement that provides the same logicalfunction as a parallel electrical bus. The bus 930 may comprise at leastone of, but not limited to a parallel bus, wherein the parallel buscarry data words in parallel on multiple wires, and a serial bus,wherein the serial bus carry data in bit-serial form.

Consistent with the embodiments of the present disclosure, theaforementioned computing device 900 may employ hardware integratedcircuits that store information for immediate use in the computingdevice 900, known to the person having ordinary skill in the art asprimary storage or memory 940.

Consistent with the embodiments of the present disclosure, theaforementioned computing device 900 may employ the communication systembetween an information processing system, such as the computing device900, and the outside world, for example, but not limited to, human,environment, and another computing device 900. The aforementionedcommunication system will be known to a person having ordinary skill inthe art as I/O 960. The I/O module 960 regulates a plurality of inputsand outputs with regard to the computing device 900, wherein the inputsare a plurality of signals and data received by the computing device900, and the outputs are the plurality of signals and data sent from thecomputing device 900. The I/O module 960 interfaces a plurality ofhardware, such as, but not limited to, non-volatile storage 961,communication devices 962, sensors 963, and peripherals 964. Theplurality of hardware is used by the at least one of, but not limitedto, human, environment, and another computing device 900 to communicatewith the present computing device 900. The I/O module 960 may comprise aplurality of forms, for example, but not limited to channel I/O,port-mapped I/O, asynchronous I/O, and Direct Memory Access (DMA).

Consistent with the embodiments of the present disclosure, theaforementioned computing device 900 may employ the non-volatile storagesub-module 961, which may be referred to by a person having ordinaryskill in the art as one of secondary storage, external memory, tertiarystorage, off-line storage, and auxiliary storage. The non-volatilestorage sub-module 961 may not be accessed directly by the CPU 920without using intermediate area in the memory 940. The non-volatilestorage sub-module 961 does not lose data when power is removed and maybe two orders of magnitude less costly than storage used in memorymodule, at the expense of speed and latency.

Consistent with the embodiments of the present disclosure, theaforementioned computing device 900 may employ the communicationsub-module 962 as a subset of the I/O 960, which may be referred to by aperson having ordinary skill in the art as at least one of, but notlimited to, computer network, data network, and network. The networkallows computing devices 900 to exchange data using connections, whichmay be known to a person having ordinary skill in the art as data links,between network nodes. The nodes comprise network computer devices 900that originate, route, and terminate data. The nodes are identified bynetwork addresses and can include a plurality of hosts consistent withthe embodiments of a computing device 900. The aforementionedembodiments include, but not limited to personal computers, phones,servers, drones, and networking devices such as, but not limited to,hubs, switches, routers, modems, and firewalls.

Consistent with the embodiments of the present disclosure, theaforementioned computing device 900 may employ the sensors sub-module963 as a subset of the I/O 960. The sensors sub-module 963 comprises atleast one of the devices, modules, and subsystems whose purpose is todetect events or changes in its environment and send the information tothe computing device 900. Sensors are sensitive to the measuredproperty, are not sensitive to any property not measured, but may beencountered in its application, and do not significantly influence themeasured property. The sensors sub-module 963 may comprise a pluralityof digital devices and analog devices, wherein if an analog device isused, an Analog to Digital (ADC, A-to-D) converter must be employed tointerface the said device with the computing device 900. The sensors maybe subject to a plurality of deviations that limit sensor accuracy. Thesensors sub-module 963 may comprise a plurality of embodiments, such as,but not limited to, chemical sensors, automotive sensors,acoustic/sound/vibration sensors, electric current/electricpotential/magnetic/radio sensors,environmental/weather/moisture/humidity sensors, flow/fluid velocitysensors, ionizing radiation/particle sensors, navigation sensors,position/angle/displacement/distance/speed/acceleration sensors,imaging/optical/light sensors, pressure sensors, force/density/levelsensors, thermal/temperature sensors, and proximity/presence sensors.

Consistent with the embodiments of the present disclosure, theaforementioned computing device 900 may employ the peripheralssub-module 962 as a subset of the I/O 960. The peripheral sub-module 964comprises ancillary devices uses to put information into and getinformation out of the computing device 900. There are 3 categories ofdevices comprising the peripheral sub-module 964, which exist based ontheir relationship with the computing device 900, input devices, outputdevices, and input/output devices. Input devices send at least one ofdata and instructions to the computing device 900. Input devices can becategorized based on, but not limited to:

-   -   Modality of input such as, but not limited to, mechanical        motion, audio, and visual.    -   Whether the input is discrete, such as but not limited to,        pressing a key, or continuous such as, but not limited to, the        position of a mouse.    -   The number of degrees of freedom involved such as, but not        limited to, two-dimensional mice vs three-dimensional mice used        for Computer-Aided Design (CAD) applications.

Output devices provide output from the computing device 900. Outputdevices convert electronically generated information into a form thatcan be presented to humans. Input/output devices perform that performboth input and output functions.

Audio input devices are used to capture sound. In some cases, an audiooutput device can be used as an input device, in order to captureproduced sound. Audio input devices allow a user to send audio signalsto the computing device 900 for at least one of processing, recording,and carrying out commands. Devices such as microphones allow users tospeak to the computer in order to record a voice message or navigatesoftware. Aside from recording, audio input devices are also used withspeech recognition software. Examples of types of audio input devicesinclude, but not limited to microphone, Musical Instrument DigitalInterface (MIDI) devices such as, but not limited to a keyboard, andheadset.

IV. Aspects

The following disclose various Aspects of the present disclosure. Thevarious Aspects are not to be construed as patent claims unless thelanguage of the Aspect appears as a patent claim. The Aspects describevarious non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure.

-   -   Aspect 1. An apparatus comprising:        -   a. Two hollow U-shaped manifolds having holes located on            their interior faces;            -   i. Wherein the U-shaped manifolds are designed to                receive the top and bottom sets of teeth into an                interior of each corresponding U-shaped manifold;            -   ii. Wherein the holes are used for providing fluid jets;                -   1. Wherein the holes are aligned towards the lingual                    and buccal side of the teeth for staggered                    arrangement of the jets;            -   iii. Wherein the U-shaped manifolds may be connected, at                a central point of reflection, by a rotating inlet joint                which supplies the fluid for the jets;        -   b. A design enabling dental irrigation with a controlled            fluid flow by moving the apparatus in a sweeping motion            between each set of rear molars.    -   Aspect 2. The apparatus of aspect 1, with motive force applied        to gums to translate the apparatus around a mouth.    -   Aspect 3. The apparatus of aspect 1, wherein the rotating inlet        joint encompasses an anti-rotate feature for the U-shaped        manifolds.    -   Aspect 4. The apparatus of aspect 1, wherein the U-shaped        manifolds comprise a protruding soft membrane.    -   Aspect 5. The apparatus of aspect 1, wherein the rotating inlet        joint is used for the control mechanism for alternating jets        between the faces of the U-shaped manifolds based on the        position of the apparatus inside a mouth.    -   Aspect 6. The apparatus of aspect 5, wherein a user may        configure a method of alteration.    -   Aspect 7. The apparatus of aspect 1, wherein the rotating inlet        joint is used for the control of fluid pressure based on the        position of the apparatus inside a mouth.    -   Aspect 8. The apparatus of aspect 1, wherein the rotating inlet        joint comprises a revolver that alternates jets between each        U-shaped manifold surface.    -   Aspect 9. The apparatus of aspect 1, wherein the extremities of        the apparatus have electromagnetic wave sources attached.    -   Aspect 10. The apparatus of aspect 1, wherein the interiors of        the U-shaped manifolds have toothbrush bristles attached.    -   Aspect 11. The apparatus of aspect 1, wherein the extremities of        the apparatus have electromagnetic wave capturing devices        attached.

V. Claims

While the specification includes examples, the disclosure's scope isindicated by the following claims. Furthermore, while the specificationhas been described in language specific to structural features and/ormethodological acts, the claims are not limited to the features or actsdescribed above. Rather, the specific features and acts described aboveare disclosed as example for embodiments of the disclosure.

Insofar as the description above and the accompanying drawing discloseany additional subject matter that is not within the scope of the claimsbelow, the disclosures are not dedicated to the public and the right tofile one or more applications to claims such additional disclosures isreserved.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for dental irrigation, theapparatus comprising: a first manifold having a first plurality ofoutlet holes laid out on a first wall of the first manifold and a secondwall of the first manifold, wherein the first wall approximately facesthe second wall, and wherein the first plurality of outlet holes on thefirst wall of the first manifold are approximately oriented towards thefirst plurality of outlet holes on the second wall of the firstmanifold; a second manifold having a second plurality of outlet holeslaid out on a first wall of the second manifold and a second wall of thesecond manifold, wherein the first wall approximately faces the secondwall, wherein the second plurality of holes on the first wall of thesecond manifold are approximately oriented towards the second pluralityof holes on the second wall of the second manifold, and wherein thefirst manifold and the second manifold are positioned so as toapproximately: align with an approximately common axis of symmetry, andreflect about a central point of reflection, such that each of the firstand the second manifolds are oriented in opposite directions; and arotating inlet joint comprising an inlet channel to receive fluid andchannel the fluid in substantially opposing directions into: the firstmanifold towards the first plurality of outlet holes, such that thefluid is channeled to be expelled from the first plurality of outletholes approximately towards the axis of symmetry, and the secondmanifold towards the second plurality of outlet holes, such that thefluid is channeled to be expelled from the second plurality of holesapproximately towards the axis of symmetry, wherein the rotating inletjoint is positioned in between the first manifold and the secondmanifold, wherein the rotating inlet joint connects to the firstmanifold at a first inlet portion at approximately a base of the firstmanifold, and wherein the rotating inlet joint connects to the secondmanifold at a second inlet portion at approximately a base of the secondmanifold, wherein the inlet channel of the rotating inlet jointprotrudes from the rotating inlet joint to form an angle relative to theaxis of symmetry, and wherein the rotating inlet joint is configured torotate about the axis of symmetry to enable the inlet channel to turnabout the axis of symmetry without blocking a flow of fluid from theinlet channel to the first manifold and the second manifold.
 2. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the first manifold is configured toreceive a user's upper teeth, wherein the second manifold is configuredto receive the user's lower teeth, and wherein the rotating inlet jointis designed to accommodate the user's teeth arrangement by a location ofthe first inlet portion of the first manifold and the second inletportion of the second manifold.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein acombined design of the first manifold, the second manifold, and therotating inlet joint enables the user to sweep the apparatus from oneside of the user's mouth to the other side of the user's mouth while theuser's teeth are within each corresponding manifold.
 4. The apparatus ofclaim 3, wherein the rotating inlet joint is configured to rotate aboutthe axis of symmetry as the user sweeps the first manifold and thesecond manifold within the user's mouth, without obstructing the flow offluid from the inlet channel to the first plurality of outlet holes andthe second plurality of holes.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein thefirst plurality of outlet holes and the second plurality of holes areconfigured to expel the fluid to form jets.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5,wherein the jets formed from the first wall of each of the manifolds arearranged to be offset from the jets formed from the second wall of eachof manifolds.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fluid flowalternates between the first manifold and the second manifold.
 8. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the fluid flow alternates from the firstwall of each of the manifolds to the second wall of each of themanifolds.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the alternating fluidflow is provided by a flow alternating part.
 10. The apparatus of claim9, wherein the part is mounted inside the rotating inlet joint betweenthe first manifold and second manifold.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10,wherein the part comprises a blower wheel, having fins which, wheninterfacing with the fluid flow, cause the part to rotate.
 12. Theapparatus of claim 11, wherein the rotating inlet joint comprises anoffset wall to divert the fluid flow, spinning the blower wheel in aparticular direction.
 13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the part isdivided into four quadrants, such that quadrant one and quadrant threeblock upward fluid flow, allowing downward fluid flow, and quadrant twoand quadrant four block the downward fluid flow, allowing upward fluidflow.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein each of the manifoldscomprises cutouts for each channel of the fluid flow corresponding toopenings designed within the part, such that, as the part rotates, thepart's openings align, in alternating fashion, with the cutouts of eachof the manifolds, thereby enabling each channel of the fluid flow intoeach of the manifolds.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the partis divided into the four quadrants, such that quadrant one and quadrantthree block the fluid flow to the first manifold while allowing thefluid flow to the second manifold, and quadrant two and quadrant fourblock the fluid flow to the second manifold while allowing the fluidflow to the first manifold.
 16. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein thepart is divided into two halves, such that a first half blocks upwardfluid flow, allowing downward fluid flow, and a second half blocks thedownward fluid flow, allowing upward fluid flow.
 17. The apparatus ofclaim 16, wherein each of the manifolds comprises two cutouts for fluidflow corresponding to the part halves, such that the two cutouts providethe fluid flow to the corresponding buccal and lingual sides of each ofthe manifolds.
 18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein, as the partspins, an open half of the part lines up with the first inlet portion ofthe first manifold and the second inlet portion of the second manifold,in sequence, providing an alternating upward and downward fluid flow tothe corresponding buccal and lingual side of each of the manifolds. 19.The apparatus of claim 11, wherein fluid pressure determines the rate ofspin for the part.
 20. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a spring ismounted inside the rotating inlet joint, applying opposing pressure tothe first manifold and the second manifold, wherein the spring enables arange of motion between the first manifold and the second manifold, suchthat the first manifold may be configured to move closer to, and furtheraway from, the second manifold.
 21. The apparatus of claim 20, whereinthe spring decompresses as fluid flow increases pressure within theinlet joint.
 22. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the springcompresses when a user provides pressure to the first manifold withupper teeth and second manifold with lower teeth.
 23. The apparatus ofclaim 22, where the compression of the spring improves an alignment ofthe user's teeth within each of the manifolds.
 24. The apparatus ofclaim 1, further comprising at least one roller having a motive forceapplied to a user's gums to translate the apparatus around the user'smouth.
 25. The apparatus of claim 24, further comprising a first rollerdirected towards the user's upper gum-line, and a second roller directedtowards a user's lower gum-line.
 26. The apparatus of claim 25, whereinthe at least one roller is used to massage gums.
 27. The apparatus ofclaim 24, wherein the at least one roller is configured to removeplaque.
 28. An apparatus for dental irrigation designed to project fluiddirectly onto surfaces of, and interproximal spaces between, a user'steeth and gum-line, the apparatus comprising: a first approximatelyU-shaped manifold comprising: a first plurality of outlet holes locatedon a first interior face of the first U-shaped manifold, a secondplurality of outlet holes located on a second interior face of the firstU-shaped manifold, and a first inlet hole at approximately a base of thefirst U-shaped manifold, wherein the first plurality of outlet holes ofthe first interior face of the first U-shaped manifold areasymmetrically aligned relative to the second plurality of outlet holeson the second interior face of the first U-shaped manifold; a secondapproximately U-shaped manifold comprising: a third plurality of outletholes located on a first interior face of the second U-shaped manifold,a fourth plurality of outlet holes located on a second interior face ofthe second U-shaped manifold, and a second inlet hole at approximately abase of the second U-shaped manifold, wherein the third plurality ofoutlet holes of the first interior face of the second U-shaped manifoldare asymmetrically aligned relative to the fourth plurality of outletholes on the second interior face of the second U-shaped manifold; arotating inlet joint comprising: an inlet channel to receive the fluid,a first opening to channel the received fluid towards the first inlethole of the first U-shaped manifold, and a second opening to channel thereceived fluid towards the second inlet hole of the second U-shapedmanifold, wherein the first opening and the second opening are orientedin substantially opposite directions, and wherein the inlet channel ispositioned substantially perpendicularly and approximately in betweenthe first opening and the second opening, wherein the rotating inletjoint connects the first U-shaped manifold and the second U-shapedmanifold to form an approximately H-shaped manifold, and wherein theH-shaped manifold is configured to channel the fluid received from theinlet channel to the first plurality of outlet holes, the secondplurality of outlet holes, the third plurality of outlet holes, and thefourth plurality of outlet holes, and wherein the rotating inlet jointis configured to rotate about an approximately vertical axis of symmetryof the H-shaped manifold to enable the inlet channel to turn about thevertical axis of symmetry without: altering a position of the firstU-shaped manifold and the position of the second U-shaped manifold, andblocking a flow of the fluid from the inlet channel to each of the firstand the second manifolds.
 29. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein theasymmetrical alignment of the first plurality of outlet holes and thesecond plurality of holes enables the flow of the fluid towards thevertical axis of symmetry of the H-shaped manifold in a staggeredlayout.
 30. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the asymmetricalalignment of the third plurality of outlet holes and the fourthplurality of outlet holes enables the flow of the fluid towards thevertical axis of symmetry of the H-shaped manifold in a staggeredlayout.
 31. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the H-shaped manifold isconfigured to receive at least one upper tooth of the user's in thefirst U-shaped manifold and at least one bottom tooth of the user's inthe second U-shaped manifold.
 32. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein theuser is enabled to sweep the H-shaped manifold from one side of theuser's mouth the other side of the user's mouth.
 33. The apparatus ofclaim 32, wherein the rotating inlet joint is configured to rotate aboutthe vertical axis of symmetry as the user sweeps the H-shaped manifoldwithin the user's mouth, without obstructing the flow of fluid from theinlet channel to the first plurality of outlet holes and the secondplurality of holes.
 34. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the firstplurality of outlet holes and the third plurality of outlet holes arealigned towards the lingual side of the user's teeth, and wherein thesecond plurality of outlet holes and the fourth plurality of outletholes are aligned towards the buccal side of the user's teeth.
 35. Theapparatus of claim 34, wherein a positioning of each of the plurality ofoutlet holes enables a staggered flow of fluid towards the user's teeth.36. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the fluid flow alternates betweenthe first manifold and the second manifold.
 37. The apparatus of claim36, wherein the alternating fluid flow is provided by a flow alternatingrevolver part.
 38. The apparatus of claim 37, wherein the revolver partis mounted inside the rotating inlet joint between the first manifoldand second manifold.
 39. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein each of themanifolds comprises two cutouts for fluid flow corresponding to therevolver part halves, such that the two cutouts provide the fluid flowto the corresponding buccal and lingual sides of each of the manifolds.40. The apparatus of claim 39, wherein, as the revolver part spins, anopen half of the revolver part lines up with the first inlet hole of thefirst manifold and the second inlet hole of the second manifold,sequentially, providing an alternating upward and downward fluid flow tothe corresponding buccal and lingual side of each of the manifolds. 41.The apparatus of claim 38, wherein the revolver part comprises a blowerwheel, having fins which, when interfaces with the fluid flow, cause therevolver to rotate.
 42. The apparatus of claim 41, wherein the revolverpart is divided into four quadrants, such that quadrant one and quadrantthree block the fluid flow to the first manifold while allowing thefluid flow to the second manifold, and quadrant two and quadrant fourblock the fluid flow to the second manifold while allowing the fluidflow to the first manifold.
 43. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein eachof the first and second manifolds comprises cutouts for the fluid flowcorresponding to the revolver part quarters, such that, as the revolverrotates, its openings align, in alternating fashion, with the cutouts ofeach of the manifolds, enabling the fluid flow into each of themanifolds.
 44. The apparatus of claim 43, wherein, as the revolver partspins, the revolver part cutouts line up with the first inlet hole ofthe first manifold and the second inlet hole of the second manifold,providing an alternating upward and downward fluid flow to thecorresponding buccal and lingual side of each of the manifolds.
 45. Theapparatus of claim 41, wherein fluid pressure determines a rate ofrevolver part spin.
 46. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the fluidflow alternates from one interior face of each of the manifolds to theother interior face of each of the manifolds.
 47. The apparatus of claim28, wherein a spring is mounted inside the rotating inlet joint,applying opposing pressure to the first manifold and the secondmanifold.
 48. The apparatus of claim 47, wherein the spring decompressesas the fluid flow provides pressure within the inlet joint.
 49. Theapparatus of claim 47, wherein the spring compresses when the userprovides pressure to the first manifold with upper teeth and the secondmanifold with lower teeth.
 50. The apparatus of claim 49, where thecompression of the spring improves an alignment of the user's teethwithin each of the manifolds.
 51. The apparatus of claim 28, furthercomprising at least one roller having a motive force applied to theuser's gums to translate the apparatus around the user's mouth.
 52. Theapparatus of claim 51, further comprising a first roller directedtowards the user's upper gum-line, and a second roller directed towardsthe user's lower gum-line.
 53. The apparatus of claim 52, wherein the atleast one roller is configured to remove plaque.
 54. The apparatus ofclaim 51, wherein the at least one roller is used to massage gums. 55.An apparatus for dental irrigation designed to project fluid directlyonto surfaces of, and interproximal spaces between, a user's teeth andgum-line, the apparatus comprising: a first manifold segment having atleast one first inlet and a first plurality of outlet holes; a secondmanifold segment having at least one second inlet and a second pluralityof outlet holes; and a rotating inlet segment comprising an inletchannel to receive the fluid and channel the fluid in substantiallyopposing directions into the first manifold through the at least onefirst inlet and into the second manifold through the at least one secondinlet, wherein the rotating inlet segment, the first manifold segment,and the second manifold are positioned so as to approximately: alignwith an approximately central vertical axis of symmetry, and reflectabout an approximately central horizontal axis of symmetry, such thatthe first manifold and the second manifold are positioned at oppositesides of the rotating inlet segment and are oriented in oppositedirections; and wherein the rotating inlet segment is configured torotate about the axis of common symmetry to enable the inlet channel toturn about the axis of symmetry, wherein an angle of the rotating inletsegment impacts a property of the fluid flow to the user's teeth, theangle being relative to at least one of the following: the vertical axisof symmetry and the horizontal axis of symmetry.
 56. The apparatus ofclaim 55, further comprising a means to measure the angle of therotating inlet segment to ascertain an approximate position of theapparatus within the user's mouth.
 57. The apparatus of claim 56,wherein a change in the position is used to calculate a speed of motionof the apparatus across the user's mouth.
 58. The apparatus of claim 57,further comprising a means for providing notifications to the user ifthe user is moving the apparatus at least one of too slow and too fast.59. The apparatus of claim 56, wherein the fluid flow is configured toalternate from buccal side to lingual side based on the position. 60.The apparatus of claim 56, wherein the fluid flow alternates from thefirst manifold segment to the second manifold segment based on theposition.
 61. The apparatus of claim 56, wherein fluid pressure iscontrolled based on the position.
 62. The apparatus of claim 55, furthercomprising toothbrush bristles that protrude from interior faces ofmanifold segment one and manifold segment two.
 63. The apparatus ofclaim 55, further comprising a means for generating electromagneticwaves to sterilize at least one of the user's teeth and the apparatus.64. The apparatus of claim 55, further comprising cameras to record atleast one of the user's gum line and the user's teeth.
 65. The apparatusof claim 55, further comprising a means for generating electromagneticradiation to illuminate the user's teeth.
 66. The apparatus of claim 65,further comprising an electromagnetic wave detector to detect areflection of the illumination to detect plaque.
 67. The apparatus ofclaim 55, wherein a first side of the first manifold segment has adifferent height than a second side of the first manifold segment. 68.The apparatus of claim 55, wherein a first side of the second manifoldsegment has a different height than a second side of the second manifoldsegment.